India Presents G4 Model: Reforming the UN Security Council

India presented G4 Model

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is in urgent need of reform to make it more representative, legitimate, effective and efficient in addressing the complex global challenges of the 21st century. In this context, the Group of Four (G4) nations – Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan – have been at the forefront of advocating for a comprehensive reform and expansion of the UNSC. Recently, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, on 7th March 2024 , presented a detailed ‘G4 model’ on behalf of the four nations to reinvigorate the long-stalled reform process.

G4 Model

What is the G4 Model?

The G4 model is a comprehensive proposal for reforming the composition and working methods of the UNSC to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities. It envisions expanding the Council’s membership from the current 15 to 25-26, with the addition of six new permanent members and four to five non-permanent members. The G4 nations argue that their economic heft, political influence, and contributions to the UN make them legitimate candidates for permanent seats.

G4 Countries
G4 Countries

What Are the Key Features of the G4 Model?

Under the G4 proposal, the six new permanent seats would be distributed as follows: two for African states, two for Asia-Pacific states, one for Latin America and Caribbean states, and one for Western Europe and other states.

The extended non-permanent seats would also be equitably allocated to ensure regional representation. Importantly, the G4 model does not specify which countries would occupy the new permanent seats, leaving the decision to the UN General Assembly.

Why Do the G4 Nations Seek Permanent Membership?

The G4 countries contend that the current structure of the UNSC, which has remained largely unchanged since 1945, does not reflect the dramatic shifts in the global balance of power.

It’s worth mentioning that the G4 countries are indeed significant global players, with eight of the world’s ten largest defense budgets and nine of the ten largest economies being represented by the current P5 members and the G4.

All G4 nations have served as elected non-permanent members multiple times and made substantial contributions to the UN’s objectives, with Brazil and India being two of the largest contributors of troops to UN-mandated peace-keeping missions. Permanent membership would give them a greater voice in decision-making on critical issues of international peace and security.

How Does the G4 Model Address Veto Power?

The veto power wielded by the P5 is one of the most contentious aspects of the UNSC. While the G4 model upholds the prerogatives of current permanent members, it proposes that the new permanent members would not exercise veto rights until a decision is taken on the matter during a future review[6][7]. This flexibility is intended to assuage concerns that expanding the veto could lead to greater gridlock in the Council.

How Have the G4 Nations Presented Their Case?

The G4 have made consistent diplomatic efforts to rally support for their cause, including joint statements at UN General Assembly sessions and meetings with world leaders. They have also held informal dialogues with other member states and regional groups to build consensus.

G4 countries have been endorsed by many nations in all geographical regions, including the L.69 Group, a coalition of like-minded developing countries

However, their bid faces opposition from some countries who fear a dilution of their own influence or have rivalries with the G4 members.

What Support Have the G4 Nations Received?

The G4 bid has been endorsed by a significant number of UN member states, including three of the P5 – France, the UK, and Russia. The US has expressed openness to a “modest” expansion of both permanent and non-permanent seats. However, China has been more ambivalent, calling for a “package solution” that addresses the concerns of all parties. African states are crucial swing votes, and the G4 have repeatedly affirmed their support for the Common African Position.

What Are the Next Steps for the G4 Model?

The G4 model will be debated as part of the ongoing Intergovernmental Negotiations on UNSC reform, which have been criticized for their slow pace and lack of transparency.

The G4 are pushing for a shift to text-based negotiations and a fixed timeline for achieving concrete outcomes. They also view upcoming milestones like the UN’s 75th anniversary in 2025 as opportunities to build decisive momentum for reform.

What Are the Current Challenges in UNSC Reform?

Any reform requires amendment of the UN Charter, which needs the approval of two-thirds of the General Assembly and all five current permanent members.
Despite broad agreement on the need for reform, progress has been stymied by competing national interests and lack of consensus on the details.

The Uniting for Consensus group, also known as the Coffee Club, which includes regional rivals of the G4, opposes any expansion of permanent seats. The African Group’s demand for two permanent seats with veto power has also complicated negotiations.

Final Thoughts

The G4 model represents a pragmatic and flexible approach to reforming the UNSC for the 21st century. By proposing a balanced expansion of both permanent and non-permanent seats, enhancing regional representation, and displaying flexibility on the veto issue, the G4 nations have sought to bridge the differences between various interest groups.

However, the path to reform remains tough given the high bar for amending the UN Charter and the need to reconcile competing national and regional aspirations.

Share This Article
UCN Team
UCN Team

UCN Team: Combining expertise in UPSC Exams and Tech to deliver high-resolution, insightful content for aspiring civil servants

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *